"This agreement continues the longstanding commitment BTC has in partnering with the University of Wisconsin Colleges to increase options for students from all different walks of life and career paths," said Ed Robinson, vice president of student services at BTC. "Transfer students typically have a high graduation rate, so well-crafted articulation agreements often contribute to a student's success at the university."

The transfer agreement is open to students who have earned an applied associate degree from BTC with a grade point average of 2.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.

Robinson said the agreement will help ensure students understand which courses will transfer and help them make better course choices to can save time and money.

"For some students, it is necessary for them to start their academic career at a technical college," Robinson said. "However, this agreement encourages students to consider additional degree attainment at a UW College. Consequently, the articulation agreement provides a guide for students who are considering a four-year degree."

UW Colleges/UW-Rock County will accept 60 credits in transfer for BTC courses fulfilling the requirements of the applied associate degree. Students who are accepted with 60 transfer credits will be classified as juniors in the bachelor of applied arts and sciences degree program.

Students would then complete 60 additional credits to meet the 120 credits required for the UW Colleges bachelor of applied arts and sciences degree.

"I think it's a win-win for UW-Rock and BTC students," said Kristin Fillhouer, associate dean for student affairs at UW-Rock. "It allows us to offer some additional education for those students who maybe want to move up in a career, move up in the company they are with now or explore their options."

Fillhouer said the transfer credits wasn't possible before. The UW System has discussed agreements with the Wisconsin Technical College System in the past, but this agreement is new, she said.

"We had talked last year, but this has been a work in progress," Fillhouer said. "We do currently have students in the program."

A formal signing ceremony will be at 1 p.m. Monday, April 25, at UW-Rock County.

"I think it's a really great way for folks to stay in Rock County," Fillhouer said. "This is really a nice fit for those who gravitate to hands-on learning."